French president bans politicians from hiring family members to hold public office

In response to a scandal involving former Prime Minister, Francois Fillon and his wife, France has banned politicians from hiring or employing their spouses or children as parliamentary assistants under rules adopted.

The new law approved by President Emmanuel Macron will apply to ministers and members of parliament, ending what is a widespread family business.

The essential clauses of the legislation were voted through by members of the National Assembly in votes Wednesday night and on Thursday.

In France, roughly one in six members of parliament has a family member earning salary as an assistant